Processes for surface cleaning

ABSTRACT

Described and claimed are apparatuses and systems for surface cleaning comprising a pump and an applicator connected to the pump through which one or more cleaning agents can be applied to the surface at an operating pressure that is about 600 PSI or less and an operating flow rate that is about 1 gal/min or less.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of divisional applicationU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/120,086, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,507,299which was filed on May 2, 2005, and wherein this divisional applicationis herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses, systems andmethods for cleaning. More specifically, the present invention relatesto apparatuses, systems and methods for cleaning a surface, such assurfaces associated with air handler systems, particularly, the coilsand fins associated with these systems wherein dust, smoke, lint, dirtand other airborne constituents can be deposited on the surface thereofduring use of same, for example, thus rendering these surfaces in needof cleaning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, the atmosphere can act as a carrier for a number ofdifferent types of pollutants, contaminants and/or other airborneconstituents, such as dust, lint, pollen, moisture, smoke, odors,fungus, mold and/or the like. As they move through the atmosphere, theairborne constituents can be deposited on a number of different surfacesassociated with a variety of different products (i.e., windows, cars,etc.). The products are then cleaned (i.e., window cleaning, carwashing, etc.) at some point in time due to same.

Airborne constituents, particularly airborne pathogens, are receivingsignificant attention from Government, Industry, Healthcare institutionsand the media with respect to indoor air-quality issues. In general,typical air handler systems, such as HVAC systems, use coils and fins asa medium to provide heating and cooling exchange. Air is pulled acrossthe surface of the coils and fins to make the heating or coolingtransfer. However, airborne constituents, such as dust, lint, smoke,odors, fungus, mold and/or other like matter can be deposited on thesurface of such air handler systems during use. The deposited matter candecrease the efficiency of the air system, thus increasing energy costs.

Further, the decrease in efficiency of the air system can have anadverse effect on the air quality. In this regard, there exists agreater potential for spreading odors, mold, fungus spore and/or thelike throughout the room or building and for creating a breeding groundfor a myriad of pathogens, such as Legionella. Thus, indoor air qualityis diminished if the air system is not cleaned on a regular basis.

The coils and fins of air systems are presently cleaned with acid,alkaline or neutral cleaners. Hand pump garden sprayers and hoses arethe most commonly used form of a cleaner applicator. Acid and alkalinecleaners can be corrosive to the coils and fins and can over time causeserious damage. In any event, these types of cleaners are typically usedon heavily fouled air systems. Often, metal fin rakes and brushes arealso used to help clean off heavy buildup. However, this can causeadditional damage to the air system.

An alternative to hand pump garden sprayers and the like are highpressure cleaning applicators (e.g., over 600 PSI). At these higherpressures, the coils, fins and the like of the air systems can becomedamaged as well. Moreover, known coil cleaning processes can require asignificant amount of clean-up after use and can be time consumingand/or labor intensive to set-up and operate. This is due, in part, tothe large amount of water and solutions that are used at flow rates thattypically exceed 1 gallon per minute. This can create a disincentive forregular cleaning, particularly since air systems are typically out ofview of occupants, management and the like.

A need therefore exists to improve surface cleaning, such as to improvethe cleaning of surfaces associated with air handler systems,particularly the coils and fins thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The first aspect of the instant claimed invention is an apparatus forcleaning a surface comprising: a pump and an applicator connected to thepump through which one or more cleaning agents can be applied to thesurface at an operating pressure that is about 600 PSI or less and anoperating flow rate that is about 1 gal/min or less.

The second aspect of the instant claimed invention is a surface cleaningsystem comprising:

a pump that operates at an operating pressure of about 600 PSI or less;

an applicator connected to the pump through which a fluid can flow at anoperating flow rate that is about 1 gal/min or less;

a water supply that can be applied to a surface through the applicatorat the operating pressure and the operating flow rate; and

a cleaning agent supply that can be applied to the surface through theapplicator at the operating pressure and the operating flow rate.

The third aspect of the instant claimed invention is a cleaning process,the cleaning process comprising the steps of:

applying a chemical cleaning agent to a surface in need of cleaning atan operating pressure that is about 600 PSI or less; and

rinsing the surface with water supplied at the operating pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus and system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the cleaning apparatus and systemas shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus and system inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a detachable cleaning agent part of thecleaning apparatus and system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus and system inaccordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention generally relates to apparatuses, systems andmethods for cleaning surfaces, such as surfaces associated with airhandler systems, particularly, the coils and fins associated with thesesystems wherein dust, smoke, lint and other airborne constituents can bedeposited on the surface thereof during use of same, thus renderingthese surfaces in need of cleaning.

The present invention can be effectively used to clean a number ofdifferent types of surfaces associated with a variety of types ofproducts, equipment and the like including those used for industrialpurpose, commercial purpose, residential purpose and/or the like. Forexample, the present invention can be effectively used to clean airhandler systems, such as HVAC systems, particularly the coils and finsthat can collect deposits of airborne constituents, such as dust,pollen, mold and/or the like, on surfaces thereof during use. If notproperly cleaned, this can adversely impact the heat transfer efficiencyof these systems. Further, this can increase the potential fortransmitting airborne pathogens into the room or building that use theair system as an unclean air system can act as a breeding ground forsame.

Applicants have discovered that cleaning agents, such as chemicalcleaners, biocides, biostatics, and/or the like, can be applied underlower pressures and at lower flow rates as compared to typical cleaningprocesses while at the same time providing better cleaning even atfaster cleaning rates, such as two to three times faster than typicalcleaning process times. At the lower pressures and flow rates, lesswater and/or cleaning solutions can be used. In this regard, less messis associated with the operation of the cleaning apparatuses, systemsand methods of the present invention as compared to typical cleaningprocesses that can use high pressure systems and/or high flow rates.This makes the present invention well suited for in-room useapplications, such as the cleaning of air systems in hotel rooms and/orthe like. Thus, the coils, fins and other associated parts of airsystems can be cleaned better, faster, and remain clean over longerperiods of time. Further, labor, energy, water/product, and facilitydowntime can be greatly reduced. Importantly, in-door air quality can beimproved, and air handler system life can be extended, while thetransmission of odors, airborne pathogens and/or the like through theair systems can be greatly minimized, if not completely eliminated.

It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited toits use and application to air system cleaning as discussed above. Thepresent invention can be applied in a number of different and suitableapplications including indoor and outside use. For example, the presentinvention can be used for dumpster maintenance, drain maintenance, ductcleaning and/or the like. As previously discussed, the present inventioncan be used to remove and clean surfaces of airborne constituents thathave collected thereon, such as dust, dirt, pollen, mold and/or thelike. In addition, the present invention can be applied to clean anyvariety of different constituents and matter that have been transmittedthrough air, water and/or other medium and then deposited on the surfaceto be cleaned.

As previously discussed, the present invention can provide effectivecleaning with cleaning agent solutions at lower operating pressures andflow rates. In an embodiment, the operating pressures are about 600pounds per square inch (“PSI”) or less including any suitable pressuredefined within this range, such as from about 60 PSI to about 600 PSI,preferably about 100 PSI to about 600 PSI. With respect to flow rate,the present invention, in an embodiment, includes an operating flow ratethat is less than about 1 gallon per minute (“gal/min”) including anysuitable flow rate defined within this range, such as about 0.1 gal/minto about 1.0 gal/min, preferably about 0.25 gal/min to about 0.5gal/min.

At these operating pressures and flow rates, any number and suitabletypes and amounts of cleaning agents can be applied to clean the surfaceand in any suitable manner. The cleaning agents can include, forexample, chemical cleaning agents, biocides, biostatics, deodorizers,sanitizers and/or other suitable agents. The chemical cleaning agentscan include any suitable type of chemical cleaner, such assurfactant-based cleaners that are commercially-available or suitablymanufactured. The surfactants can include any suitable form, such asanionic, cationic, and other suitable forms, charged and/or neutral.

The chemical cleaner agents in solution form can be applied to thesurface in need of cleaning at a variety of different pH levelsdepending on the cleaning application. The chemical cleaning solutionare made by diluting a chemical cleaner concentrate with water or otheraqueous medium at a specified dilution ratio as described below ingreater detail. In an embodiment, the chemical cleaning solutions have apH that ranges from about 2.0 to about 14.0, including any suitable pHdefined within this range. The cleaning apparatuses and systems of thepresent invention can use alkaline chemical cleaning solutions, pHbalanced chemical cleaning solutions, acidic chemical cleaning solutionsand/or the like. In an embodiment, the alkaline chemical cleaningsolutions have a pH that ranges from about 8.0 to about 12.5; the pHbalanced chemical cleaning solutions have a pH that ranges from about5.0 to about 10.0; and the acidic chemical cleaning solutions have a pHthat ranges from about 2.0 to about 4.0. However, it should beappreciated that the surfactant-based cleaners can be applied at anysuitable or suitable number of pH levels during cleaning depending onthe application.

In addition to chemical cleaning agents and solutions thereof, thepresent invention can use biocides, biostatics, solutions thereof andthe like. The biocides, biostatics and the like include cleaning agentsthat can inhibit growth of bacteria, mold and the like and can includecommercially-available products, such as CoilClear™ available from OndeoNalco, or suitably manufactured products. The chemical cleaning agents,biocides and biostatics in addition to other additional cleaning agents(i.e., deodorizers, sanitizers and the like) can include any suitabletype of product, for example, any suitable commercially-availableproduct, or product manufactured in any suitable way. For example, thechemical cleaners can include a solvent, such as a water-based solvent,an oil-based solvent and/or the like, to facilitate the cleaningprocess. The amount and type of solvent and/or other additional othercleaning constituents are generally known in the art, such as the amountand type of solvent that are used with commercially-available chemicalcleaning products.

Prior to application on the surface, the cleaning agents are formed intoa solution, such as a water-based solution as previously discussed. Inthis regard, the cleaning agent in concentrate form, such as liquid,powder or the like, is dispersed and mixed with water or other suitableaqueous liquid at a suitable dilution ratio to form the solution. In anembodiment the dilution ratio ranges from about 1:4 to about 1:256.

The apparatuses and systems of the present invention can include anynumber and type of suitable components. Preferably, the presentinvention provides a mobile and self-contained apparatus and system thatcan be effectively used to apply the cleaning agents in solution form ateffective operating pressures and flow rates as discussed above. In anembodiment, the present invention includes a self-contained mobile cartthat is equipped with the various components of the present invention,such as the cleaning agents, water supply, dilution unit, applicator,pump, hoses, fittings and/or other suitable cleaning components. Themobile cart or other suitable device can be equipped with the variouscleaning components in any suitable manner.

In use, the cleaning agents are formed into a solution, such as awater-based solution, prior to application to the surface in need ofcleaning as previously discussed. Once prepared, the cleaning agentsolutions are ready for use. In an embodiment, the cleaning processincludes applying a chemical cleaning agent solution at operatingpressures and flow rates as discussed above. Next, the surface is rinsedwith a suitable amount of a rinse solution, such as water, at theoperating pressures and flow rates.

Subsequent to the rinse process, the biocide and/or biostatic cleaningsolution can be applied at the operating pressures and flow rates. Thebiocide and/or biostatic act to inhibit growth of bacteria, mold and/orthe like as discussed above. In addition, the biocide/biostaticessentially acts to coat the surface so as to effectively extend thetimeframe between cleanings. In this regard, the biocide/biostatic coatcan make the surface less susceptible to deposition of airborneconstituents and/or the like. It should be appreciated that the cleaningprocess can be carried out in any suitable manner and under any suitableconditions. Preferably, the process as described above is applied tocleaning coils, fins and other associated parts of air handler systemsas previously discussed. But, the cleaning process of the presentinvention can be used and/or modified to be used for a variety ofdifferent and suitable applications.

In another embodiment, the methodology provides for rinsing the airhandler system surface with water or a rinse solution supplied at anoperating pressure that is about 30 to about 600 PSI and at an operatingflow rate of about 1 gal/min or less.

In another embodiment, the surface is cleaned at an operating flow rateof about 0.25 gal/min to about 0.5 gal/min.

In another embodiment, the surface is cleaned at an operating flow rateof about 0.1 gal/min to about 1 gal/min.

In another embodiment, the surface is cleaned at an operating flow rateof about 0.25 gal/min to about 1 gal/min.

By way of example and not limitation, examples of the present inventionare provided below.

EXAMPLE ONE In-Room Unit

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide effective cleaningthat is well-suited for in-room use, such as in a hotel room, an office,a residence and/or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaningapparatus and system 10 of the present invention includes a cart 12 thatincludes a frame 14 made from any suitable metal and alloys thereofand/or other suitable materials. The cart 12 also includes a pair ofwheels 16 connected to the frame 14. This allows the cart 12 to bereadily moved from one cleaning job to the next and during use of same.

As previously discussed, the mobile cart 12 is equipped with thecleaning components, thus providing a self-contained unit. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile cart 12 is equipped with a first cleaningagent solution container 18, a second cleaning agent solution container20, a first cleaning agent concentrate container 22, a second cleaningagent concentrate container 24, a pump (not shown), a dilution unit (notshown), a housing for the pump and dilution system 26, and an applicator28. The pump can be any suitable commercially available pump such as anelectrically powered pump or battery powered pump

The first and second cleaning agent solution containers 18, 20 are heldwithin a device connected to the cart such as a basket 30 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The basket 30 can be constructed in any suitable way,such as a wire basket construction as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The firstand second cleaning agent concentrate containers 22, 24 are positionedin a holding device attached to the cart as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Theholding device can be constructed in any suitable design, such asrectangular box configuration 32 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and made fromany suitable material, such as metal, alloys and the like. Anotherholding device is attached to the cart opposite and positioned above thebasket 30. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding device includes a wirebasket configuration 33 that can be made from any suitable materials.The holding device 33 is used to support a container that contains rinsewater as discussed below.

The housing 26 is attached to a top portion 34 of the mobile cart 12 butcan be attached at any suitable location. The housing 26 encloses thepump and the dilution system. The housing 26 includes a number of valves35 associated with the dilution system. The valves 35 are in fluidcommunication with the first cleaning agent concentrate 36, the secondcleaning agent concentrate 38 and the rinse water 40 stored within rinsewater container 41. The valves 35 are used to regulate the flow ofdesired product or rinsing water as shown in FIG. 1. Any suitablecommercially-available valves can be used for valves 35.

The in-line water connector 42 can be connected via a hose or the like(not shown) to a water supply (not shown), such as from a sink faucet,an outdoor water faucet or the like. In this regard, the water from thewater supply is used to prepare the cleaning agent solutions and also tofill the rinse container 41 with rinse water 40 prior to use.

In general, the hydraulic force of water moving through the transfertubes (not shown completely) from the water supply into the first andsecond cleaning agent solution containers 18 and 20, creates a vacuum todraw out the respective cleaning agent concentrate to dispense and mixwith water from the water supply, thus forming the cleaning agentsolution that is stored in each respective cleaning agent solutioncontainer. In an embodiment, the cleaning agent concentrates are drawnout of their respective cleaning agent concentrate containers to mixwith the water from the water supply at a flow rate of about 5 gal/min.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 26 includes an on/of switch 44 foroperating the pump, dilution units and/or other component parts. Thecleaning apparatus and system 10 of the present invention can be poweredby a battery or other portable power source and/or can be powered by anexternal power source. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing provides threeseparate valves 46 that control the flow of the chemical cleaning agentsolution, the biocide/biostatic solution and the rinse water via thepump during use.

The applicator 28 is attached to the pump within the housing 26 via ahose 47. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the applicator 28 is in the form ofa spray gun that includes a handle 48 connected to a cylindrical part 50with a nozzle 52 connected at an end 54 thereof to regulate the flow ofcleaning solution as it is applied to the surface. The cylindrical partcan be made of any suitable material and formed into a rigid, semi-rigidor flexible part.

In an embodiment, the pump flow rate and spray nozzle 52 are adjusted toregulate the operating flow rate at about 1 gal/min or less, preferablyabout 0.5 gal/min or less, such as about 0.25 gal/min or less as appliedfor in-room use. During use, the pump is operated at a pressure of about100 PSI or less. The concentrates within the cleaning agent concentratecontainers, the solutions within cleaning agent solution containers andthe water 40 within the rinse water container 41 are in fluidcommunication with the pump and dilution system enclosed within thehousing 26 via a number of different hoses. At these operating pressuresand flow rates, the present invention is ideal for in-door use, such ascleaning air handler systems within a hotel room or other enclosedspace. In this regard, the present invention can provide effectivecleaning of unclean surfaces, such as coils and fins, while using aminimal amount of cleaning solution and/or water such that the amountdoes not exceed or does not substantially exceed the water storagecapacity of the air handler system, such as a drip pan, drain or thelike that is typically provided with such in-door air handler units.

As shown in FIG. 1, the chemical cleaning agent concentrate 60 is storedin the first cleaning agent concentrate container 22, the biocide and/orbiostatic concentrate 58 is stored in the second cleaning agentconcentrate container 24, chemical solution 64 is stored in the firstcleaning agent solution container 18, and the biocide and/or biostaticsolution 62 is stored in the second cleaning agent solution container20. The containers can be made of any suitable material and sized in anysuitable shape and with capacity for any suitable volumetric amount. Asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the concentrate containers, chemical cleaningsolution container and the rinse water containers can be made of anysuitable material and sized and shaped in any suitable way, preferablyranging in size from about 0.5 gallons to about 5 gallons including anysuitable volumetric size defined within this range, such as about 2.5gallons or less for the cleaning and rinse water solution containers.The concentrate containers are generally smaller in capacity than thecleaning solution containers, such as about 1 gallon or less.

EXAMPLE TWO Detachable Unit

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a mobile cleaningapparatus and system 100 with one or more detachable cleaningcomponents. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the present invention provides acleaning apparatus and system 100 that is well suited for outdoor useand indoor use, such as cleaning air handler systems that are located onroof tops or other outdoor and/or indoor locations that are not readilyaccessible or coils or larger/deeper coils that need to be cleaned withhigher pressure. During this application, the operating pressures andflow rates are maintained at a relatively low level but are increased ascompared to the operating pressures and flow rates discussed above inExample One, particularly for outdoor use. In an embodiment, theoperating pressure ranges from about 100 PSI to about 600 PSI and theoperating flow rate is about 0.5 gal/min or less.

Further, the detachable unit 100 provides a detachable construction thatshould facilitate use thereof, particularly if the cleaning operation isconducted on the roof or other elevated level. As shown in FIGS. 3 and4, the present invention includes a mobile cart 102 that includes aframe 104 generally made from any suitable material including metal,alloys and the like. Two wheels 106 are attached to the frame 104similar to the mobile cart 102 design in Example One.

The mobile cart 102 also includes a platform 107 attached to a bottompart 108 of the frame 104. The platform 106 can be made of any suitablematerial, such as wood, metal, plastic or the like, and attached to theframe 104 in any suitable manner. A housing 110 is located on theplatform 106 wherein the housing 110 encloses the pump and otherassociated electronics (not shown) to power the cleaning apparatus andsystem 100 of the present invention.

The mobile cart 102 also includes a basket 112 with a handle 114allowing the basket 112 to be detachably mounted to the frame 104.However, the basket 112 can be detachably mounted in any suitablemanner. The basket 112 can be made of any suitable material, such as ametal wire material or the like with sufficient strength to support theweight of the cleaning agent concentrates as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thecleaning agent concentrates include a chemical concentrate 115 stored ina first container 116 and a biocide/biostatic 118 stored in a secondcontainer 120. In another embodiment there may be two of container 116present for applications that require a larger amount of cleaningconcentrate 115. The containers can include any suitable size and shape,such as ranging from about 16 ounces to about 5 gallons. The handle 114further provides an arm portion 119 on both sides of the handle 114. Thearm portion 119 is used to support hose 122 in fluid communication withthe cleaning agent concentrates in the first and second containers.

An applicator 124 is also attached to the pump (not shown) via a hose126 supported on the cart 102. The applicator 124 is similar in designas previously discussed in that the applicator includes a handle 128connected to a cylindrical portion 130 that extends to an end 132 with anozzle 134 to regulate flow therethrough. In addition, the applicator124 is provided with a connector 136 attached at or near the handle 128.The connector 136 allows fluid connection between the applicator 124 andthe cleaning agent concentrate during use. The connector can include anysuitable type of connector, such as a quick connector that providesready connection or the like.

In this regard, the pump is run at operating pressure or pressures tocause water flow through the applicator 124 at a regulated flow rate.The water is provided from an external water source (not shown), such asan outdoor water faucet connected to the pump through the housing 110.As the water flows through the applicator 124, the cleaning agentconcentrate can be drawn out from the container and then dispensed andmixed with the water. The cleaning agent concentrate is connected to theapplicator via the hose 122 when connected to the connector 136. Thisforms a cleaning agent solution for application to the surface to becleaned. The dilution ratio of concentrate to water in the cleaningsolution can be regulated with a metering tip or other suitable flowregulator device (not shown). The metering tip can be connected to aportion of the hose at any suitable position between the concentratecontainer and the applicator.

In use, the basket 112 can be detached from the cart and carried to anelevated area, such as a roof top, for cleaning purposes as shown inFIG. 4. This gives the user greater flexibility depending on theposition and location of the equipment and surface thereof to becleaned.

As previously discussed, the present invention can be used for cleaningpurposes in a number of different applications, such as cleaning coils,fins and other like parts associated with an air handler system. It isbelieved that the present invention can provide enhanced cleaning inless time, such as at least one fifth to at least one half of the amountof time it takes to clean under typical conditions. This can be doneusing less water and cleaning solutions, thus minimizing the risk ofwater overflow and spills during use, particularly important duringin-door use with respect to coil cleaning and the drain capacityassociated with same. This can also reduce the “downtime” betweencleaning jobs as less time may be necessary to clean-up after use.Set-up times can also be minimized as the present invention can beprovided in a mobile and self-contained construction and thusready-to-use. Also, a significant reduction in energy costs can berealized. Further, the operating pressures and flow rates can minimizeor effectively eliminate the potential for damage to the surface to becleaned, such as the coils and fins of an HVAC unit, thus extending thelife of capital equipment.

The present invention displays enhanced cleaning capabilities all thewhile using less water and cleaning solution as compared to typicalsurface cleaning operations as discussed above. For example, thecleaning apparatuses, systems and processes as applied to air handlercleaning operations can reduce the risk of legionella and/or otherairborne pathogens during use and greatly minimize, or effectivelyeliminate, biological matter build-up on the air system (i.e., HVACsystem) and odors emitted therefrom during use.

As previously discussed, the cleaning apparatuses, systems and processescan include any variety of types and amounts of cleaning components,illustrative examples of which are detailed above and shown in FIGS.1-4. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is notlimited to these examples, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Inthis regard, the present invention can include any suitable modificationand change from the construction, design and application of the presentinvention as discussed above.

For example, another illustration of the apparatuses and systems 150 ofthe present invention is shown in FIG. 5. This configuration as showncan be used as a substitute for in-room and/or outdoor configurations asdiscussed above and further illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. In thisconfiguration, the systems and apparatuses 150 includes a waterreservoir 152 that has a greater capacity than the rinse watercontainers as discussed above. In an embodiment, the water reservoir 152includes a volume capacity that is about 6 gallons or less. The waterreservoir 152 is positioned on a platform 154 attached to a lowerportion of a mobile cart 156 as shown in FIG. 5. The mobile cart 156 caninclude any suitable design and be made from any suitable material aspreviously discussed. For example, the mobile cart 156 includes a pairof wheels 158 located at a back portion of the cart 156 and a supportstructure 160 for stationary purposes attached to a front part of thecart 158 as shown in FIG. 5. The support structure 160 can be replacedwith one or more sets of wheels, if necessary, to provide greatermobility. In this regard, the cart 156 can include a brake mechanismattached to one or more of the wheels for stationary purposes.

A holding device 160 is attached to the cart at a location above thewater reservoir but can be attached at any suitable location and in anysuitable manner. The holding device 160 can be made of any suitablematerial as discussed above. As shown in FIG. 5, the holding device 160acts to hold a first concentrate container 162 that contains a chemicalcleaning agent concentrate 164 and a second concentrate container 166that includes a biocide/biostatic concentrate 168. One or moreadditional concentrate containers can be used and attached to the cartin any suitable manner. Any variety and type of chemical cleaners,biocides, biostatics and/or the like can be used as discussed above.

A housing 170 is attached to the cart at a location positioned above thecleaning concentrates but can be mounted at any suitable location. Thehousing 170 encloses a pump (not shown) and further includes a number ofvalves, fittings and/or other connectors (not shown) necessary toestablish fluid communication in the apparatuses and systems during use.The housing 170 can also contain the electronics, such as an on/offswitch that can be powered with a portable battery and/or an externalpower source as previously discussed. In the alternative, the pump canbe housed in a housing separate from the valve arrangement necessary toprovide fluid communication in the system and apparatus of the presentinvention. The system and apparatus as shown in FIG. 5 can include anumber of additional other components including an applicator (notshown) and the like as discussed above. The applicator is connected tothe pump and is used to apply water and/or the cleaning solutions to thesurface in need of cleaning as previously discussed.

In use, the water reservoir is filled with a necessary amount of water,such as to volume capacity. The cart can then be wheeled into the roomor other area for cleaning purposes. The pump is operated at operatingpressures, such as about 100 PSI or less as discussed above. Thechemical cleaner is applied in solution form to the surface in need ofcleaning. In this regard, the chemical cleaner solution is made bydispersing the chemical cleaning concentrate and mixing same with awater supply that flows from the water reservoir under pressureactivated from the pump. The mixing can occur in any suitable mannerdepending on the valve arrangement of the systems and apparatuses of thepresent invention. The amount of chemical agent in solution can beregulated by a metering tip or other like device that is positioned atany suitable location, such as along the hose that fluidly connects thatchemical agent to the pump. The solution can be mixed at any suitabledilution ratio as discussed above. Once mixed, the chemical solution isapplied to the surface via the applicator that controls the flowtherefrom at a suitable operating flow rate as further discussed above.

After the chemical cleaner solution has been applied, the valvearrangement is reconfigured to allow the surface to be rinsed with waterfrom the water reservoir at the operating pressures and flow rates.After completion of the rinse cycle, the valve arrangement is againreconfigured in a suitable manner such that the biocide/biostatic agentcan be applied in solution form to the surface. Depending on thecleaning application, the cleaning system and apparatus set-up as shownin FIG. 5 and suitable modifications thereof may be preferred ascompared to the set-up as shown in FIGS. 1-4, particularly FIGS. 1 and 2as applied to in room use. The set-up in FIG. 5 provides fewercontainers to be carted from one job to the next (i.e., one room to thenext). Further, it has a larger water capacity. This can facilitate thecleaning process, particularly where the amount of water supply is fixedand depends on the size of the container that carries same. Thus,down-times may be minimized due to the need to re-fill with water from asource that is outside of the room or area where the cleaning occurs,such as in a hotel room or other room enclosure.

The various other cleaning components of the present invention can beconstructed in any suitable way depending on the application. Forexample, the nozzle can be configured in a number of suitable ways toprovide better and easier access to the surface to be cleaned. In thisregard, the nozzle or other suitable end portion of the applicator canbe configured in a substantially straight path or a curved path ofvarying degrees, such as from 45° to 180°. The curved configuration canfacilitate use of the present invention in less accessible places,

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

1. A method of cleaning an air handler system surface comprising thesteps of applying a chemical cleaning agent to the surface in need ofcleaning at an operating pressure that is about 60 to about 600 PSI atan operating flow rate of 1 gal/min or less.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein said surface is cleaned at an operating flow rate of about 0.25gal/min to about 0.5 gal/min.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein saidsurface is cleaned at an operating flow rate of about 0.1 gal/min toabout 1 gal/min.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said surface iscleaned at an operating flow rate of about 0.25 gal/min to about 1gal/min.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: rinsing the airhandler system surface with water or a rinse solution supplied at anoperating pressure that is about 30 to about 600 PSI at an operatingflow rate of about 1 gal/min or less.
 6. The method of claim 5 whereinsaid surface is cleaned at an operating flow rate of about 0.25 gal/minto about 0.5 gal/min.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein said surface iscleaned at an operating flow rate of about 0.1 gal/min to about 1gal/min.
 8. The method of claim 5 wherein said surface is cleaned at anoperating flow rate of about 0.25 gal/min to about 1 gal/min.